022The combination of horse latitude conditions and the Kuroshio Current results in a warm, humid subtropical climate, with coral reefs in the seas and primeval evergreen broadleaf forests on land. Distinctive vegetation includes mangroves, gajumaru banyans, and cycads. Some 90% of Iriomote Island is covered in primeval forest.Okinawa Island was once home to the Ryukyu Kingdom, which at its height influenced a region extending from the Amami Islands to the north to the Sakishima Islands far to the southwest. Even today, the region shares commonalities in language, folk music accompanied by the sanshin, and weaving as a traditional craft. Religious rituals and traditional observances and customs have been handed down for centuries and are still an important part of the region’s culture today.As a nation, Japan is high in biodiversity due to its rich natural environments and wide range of climates. Even in this context, the high number of endemic species in these regions is noteworthy. Natural monuments like the Amami rabbit, Iriomote wildcat, and Yanbaru kuina (Okinawa rail) are listed as endangered species on the IUCN Red List.Because the residents of these islands have always lived side-by-side with nature, the region is home to many environmental conservation movements and ecotourism offerings. Bonds within villages and families are strong, and gatherings feature yuntaku (chatting) and exchanges of drinks like shochu and awamori. If the mood becomes lively enough, dancing may even break out.Recognized by UNESCO: July 2021Area: 42,700 ha Characteristics: These four regions make up less than 0.5% of Japan’s land but account for an enormous share of the nation’s biodiversity, with countless plant and animal species living or reproducing within their boundaries. Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island,Northern part of Okinawa Island,and Iriomote IslandNatureCultureFlora and FaunaLiving
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